At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals while ensuring dietary needs are met for our patients.
- Company: Join Priory Hospital, a leading provider of mental health care in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with career growth and additional perks like birthday leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and NVQ2 or equivalent in food hygiene.
The predicted salary is between 25740 - 31460 £ per year.
Priory Hospital Altrincham is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. This is a full-time role of 36.5 hours per week. Part-time hours are also available. Priory Hospital Altrincham provides expert inpatient treatment for a range of mental health conditions and addictions. We also provide established, evidence-based outpatient treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that you benefit from a safe and comfortable environment at all times and receive the highest standard of care while you’re with us.
What you'll be doing:
- You’ll be part of a dedicated and compassionate team, all working together to ensure the smooth running of the hospital and to support the wellbeing of our patients.
- Undertakes the planning, preparation and cooking of meals, taking account of any special requests or dietary requirements within the unit.
- Ensuring operational standards comply with the company’s Food Safety policies and guidelines and statutory regulations.
- Takes full shift responsibility for the catering operation (in the absence of the Head Chef).
- Ensures the cost-effective and efficient control of stock including placing orders for food products and the checking/reconciliation of deliveries.
- Monitors and adapts food production ensuring that there is a minimum amount of wasted food.
What you'll bring to the role:
- Resilience is key; no two days are the same!
- Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.
- Numerate, literate and qualified to NVQ2 or equivalent & basic qualification in food hygiene.
- Organises and prioritises own workload within established procedure.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to monitor costs and liaise with suppliers.
- Good organisation and time management.
- Knowledge of specialised diets may be required (Dysphagia, Allergens, etc).
- First-class customer service skills.
- Experience within a professional kitchen environment.
- Experience producing meals for large groups on time and to budget.
What we will give you in return:
- Regular career conversations and support.
- Full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions.
- Free on-site parking.
- Birthday Holiday - your birthday as an extra day of annual leave.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme).
- Access to development opportunities.
- Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel.
- Leadership & management development.
- Long service award.
- Refer a friend bonuses.
Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.
About Priory:
Priory is the UK’s leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions – including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and children’s mental health – and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, Prader–Willi Syndrome, brain injuries and older people. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process.
Chef in Cheshire employer: Priory
At Priory Hospital Bristol, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our new acute ward provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults facing mental health challenges, while benefiting from ongoing career development and a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Cheshire
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Priory. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Priory
Don't be shy about reaching out to Priory directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Priory and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Priory
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!